INS Sudarshini Came to Bali

The Indian Navy Ship (INS) Sudarshini anchored in Benoa Harbor, Bali on Saturday (Oct 27). The ship starting its historical voyage from Kochi, India, held a commemorative ship expedition to ASEAN countries in conjunction with celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the ASEAN-India partnership dialogue and tenth anniversary of the ASEAN-India Summit-level partnership. As scheduled, the ship will be going to sail for 6 and a half months and anchoring in 13 harbors in 9 countries.

Captain of the INS Sudarshini, N Shyam Sundar, was welcomed by the Commander of Denpasar Naval Base I Wayan Suarjaya, Commander of 163/Wira Satya Military Resort IB Purwalaksana, the officers of Indian Embassy and Consulate General of India in Bali. On that occasion were also present the representative of Denpasar Mayor, personnel of the Indonesian Navy and National Armed Forces, Balinese community and Committee of the World Hindu Summit.

N Shyam Sundar said the presence of INS Sudarshini in Bali was the second sojourn in Indonesia after dropping in Teluk Bayur Harbor, Padang, West Sumatera. “Bali has strong relationship to India in the matter of history and culture. Similarly, the Indian tradition has similarities to the ones found in Balinese community,” he said.

He admitted that he and the crews were touched by the response given by the Indonesian community. It reminded him of the Bali Jatra performed by the ancestors of India from Kalinga (now called Odisha) to Bali bringing along some merchandises as well as tradition, culture, religion, architecture, dance et cetera.

“We do hope that the emotional relationship created can enhance the relationship of person-to-person between India and Indonesia,” he said. Similar opinion was also revealed by Mr. A.S. Takhi, Consul General of India in Bali. According to him, it was a historic moment for the people of India and Indonesia, and something good engendered by the INS Sudarshini would enhance the warm and friendly relationship that had been established by both countries. (BTN/kmb)